It's summer and it's time to have fun. Summer seems like the most anticipated season of the year, ESPECIALLY when you live in the rain the other 3 seasons of the year.  I am going to enjoy the festivities of summer that entail backyard barbecues, beaches and the joys of wearing sandals. But I also decided that since it's a new season, it's a good time to set a new goal for my life. We always set goals at the beginning of the year, but why not for each season? 

At Unlock Mag we believe in unlocking your life to live your best. If you start setting short term goals, you're destined to accomplish a lot and boost your life as you advance in your dreams; ultimately, making you successful on the inside and the outside. Life was created to move forward, so take advantage of your opportunities to move forward and set goals. 

Since I found myself feeling a little weak and not as energized, I talked to health experts and decided my goal this summer would be strength training for stronger leaner muscles. Summer is usually when we are more conscious of our bodies, since it's bathing suit season, I decided it's a great time to set a goal for strength training. Then I can watch my muscles grow and feel more energized for the long summer days. 

I encourage you to imagine something in your life you desire to see changed and make a goal. This summer make it your best and most satisfying yet. If you want to join me with my goal by strength training, stay tuned for our fitness articles coming soon. Also here are some great reasons why weight training will unlock your life to another level:

1. Weight training tones your muscles which looks great and raises your basal metabolism...which causes you to burn more calories 24 hours a day. You'll even burn more calories while you're sleeping.

2. Weight training can reverse the natural decline in your metabolism which begins around age 30.

3. Weight training energizes you.

4. Weight training has a positive effect on almost all of your 650-plus muscles.

5. Weight training strengthens your bones reducing your risk of developing osteoporosis.

6. Weight training improves your muscular endurance.

7. Weight training will NOT develop big muscles on women...just toned muscles!

8. Weight training makes you strong. Strength gives you confidence and makes daily activities easier.

9. Weight training makes you less prone to low-back injuries.

10. Weight training decreases your resting blood pressure.

11. Weight training decreases your risk of developing adult onset diabetes.

12. Weight training decreases your gastrointestinal transit time, reducing your risk for developing colon cancer.

13. Weight training increases your blood level of HDL cholesterol (the good type).

14. Weight training improves your posture.

15. Weight training improves the functioning of your immune system.

16. Weight training lowers your resting heart rate, a sign of a more efficient heart.

17. Weight training improves your balance and coordination.

18. Weight training elevates your mood.

- Kat